GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 66350  Size: SF
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: CKP, CMP, KS and Traction Control System
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Crankshaft Position Sensor is mounted in the right rear of the engine block behind the starter. The CKP sensor works in conjunction with a 24X reluctor wheel mounted on the rear of the crankshaft. The CKP sensor has a B+ power supply, a ground, and a signal circuit.

As the crankshaft rotates, the reluctor wheel teeth interrupt a magnetic field produced by a magnet within the sensor. The sensor's internal circuitry detects this and produces a signal which the PCM reads. The PCM uses this signal to accurately measure crankshaft velocity which is a variable used in order to detect misfire, spark and, fueling.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Engine Speed is between 500 and 4000 RPM.
    • Ignition Voltage is between 9.0 and 17.0 volts.
    • The PCM determines that the CKP sensor signal is out of range for less than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

The following problems may cause this DTC to set:

    • Poor connections/terminal tension at the sensor.
    • Crankshaft reluctor wheel damage or improper installation.
    • The sensor coming in contact with the reluctor wheel.
    • The engine running out of fuel.
    • If the crankshaft rotates backwards, this DTC will set. This condition is only with vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. This condition can occur when a vehicle is on an incline and the clutch is released and an engine stall occurs.

Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can aid in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid determining how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed. For an intermittent condition, refer to Symptoms .

Excess crankshaft end play will cause the CKP sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. This could result in any one of the following:

    • A no start
    • A start and stall
    • Erratic performance

An improperly installed propeller shaft could cause excess crankshaft end play. Refer to Engine Mechanical for excess crankshaft end play diagnosis.

For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step verifies that the malfunction is present.

  2. This step checks for EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) on the CKP sensor circuits.

  3. Vertical lines across the face of the sensor could indicate foreign material passing between the CKP sensor and the reluctor wheel. Non vertical lines across the face of the sensor may indicate a crack in the CKP sensor. Either of these conditions causes this DTC to set.

  4. Damage to the reluctor wheel would affect the CKP sensor output. To inspect the reluctor wheel, remove the starter and rotate the crankshaft while viewing the reluctor wheel through the CKP sensor hole. If you cannot determine if the reluctor wheel is damaged, the oil pan may have to be removed. If this condition exist, refer to Engine/Engine Mechanical for crankshaft replacement.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: If DTC P0335 is also set, diagnose DTC P0335 before proceeding with this DTC.

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine for 2 minutes.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0336 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 3

Intermittent condition. Refer to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Visually/Physically inspect all circuits going to the Crankshaft Position sensor for the following:
  2. • Routed to close to secondary ignition wires or components
    • Routed to close to after-market add on electrical equipment
    • Routed to close to solenoids, relays and motors
  3. If you find incorrect routing, correct the harness routing.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Check the terminal contact at the CKP sensor.
  2. Repair/replace the terminal if you find a problem. Refer to Body and Accessories/Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Check the terminal contact at the PCM for the CKP sensor circuits.
  2. Repair/replace the terminal if you find a problem. Refer to Body and Accessories/Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Remove the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement .
  2. Inspect the CKP sensor for signs of damage.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Engine/Engine Mechanical

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the CKP reluctor wheel for damage.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Engine/Engine Mechanical

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC option using the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
  4. Operate vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to applicable DTC table

System OK